How effective is Nizoral shampoo in the treatment of hair loss?

Question

I know it won't help grow back lost hair and understand that it's not a heavy hitter like finasteride in battling hair loss, but I'm just wondering how helpful it might be? Am I correct in thinking that the ingredient ketoconazole works somewhat similarly to finasteride in that it is a DHT blocker? (though less effective and applied topically as opposed to taken orally). If so, could it also have some smaller likelihood of the side-effects associated with finasteride? (I'm not on finasteride.)

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

There is NO shampoo that can truly claim it is a "treatment" for hair loss.It does not work.  It is not a "heavy hitter" or even a "baby hitter".It does not maintain hair or keep hair from falling out.It may be a good shampoo and many seem to like it because it makes your scalp feel tingly.Ketoconazole theoretically has anti-androgen properties but in clinical use, it has negligible effects on hair.You can make yourself believe it has some DHT blocking / anti-androgen properties and spend the money to try it.  After all, if it costs so much, there must be some truth to the claim, right?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I have tried this for many years and do not see much benefit.  There is no harm to try though.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Nizoral or ketokonazol is an anti fungal medication with some effects on maintaining hair.  The result of it has been compared to minoxidil and it has been documented that similar results could be expected form them.  Having said that the route of use for shampoos makes their usefulness more limited since we wash and rinse our scalp and do not leave them long enough for them to become absorbed from the skin level.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Ketoconazole is not a DHT blocker.  Many men use it for hair loss but it really will not treat hair loss successfully

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

There Are two FDA approved treatments for  hair loss which are minoxidil and propecia.  However, there are some shampoos, vitamins and other remedies that help with the maintainance of the quality of the hair, however there are no studies that confirm their importance in preventing hair loss.  If you have tried nizoral and it helps maintainin your hair then go ahead and use it, but do not expect re growth or regeneration of lost hair.

How effective is Nizoral shampoo in the treatment of hair loss?

Answers (5)

Answer: Ketoconazole

Answer: Ketoconazole

Answer: Effect of nizoral shampoo

Answer: Effect of nizoral shampoo

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

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How effective is Nizoral shampoo in the treatment of hair loss?

Answers (5)

Answer: Ketoconazole

Answer: Ketoconazole

Answer: Effect of nizoral shampoo

Answer: Effect of nizoral shampoo

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.